NSCDC arrests five over illegal refining site

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has busted an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau, Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

This was disclosed on Friday in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kano State Command, has busted an illegal diesel refining site at Panisau, Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State, arresting five suspects over the alleged operation of an unregistered and illegal oil and gas business,” it said.

According to the statement, the arrest of the suspects followed an operation involving personnel from the Operations Department, oil and gas, armed squad, as well as anti-vandalism units of the command.

It added that the suspects were identified as Ibrahim Bello, 28; Musbahu Adam, 38; Rabiu Dahiru, 27; Haruna Kabiru, 26; and Sunusi Ahmad, 25.

“The operation forms part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage, protect the environment, and enforce compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing oil and gas operations,” the statement said.

Following the operation, the illegal refining site was sealed off by the Corps, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal activities and determine appropriate legal action against the suspects.